Belfast, 24 September 2026 – The Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (NIPSA) has warned that the potential suspension of inpatient maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital is another stark warning of the crisis facing health services across Northern Ireland.
If services are transferred to Craigavon Area Hospital, women and families will face longer journeys for maternity care, while already stretched staff at Craigavon will be expected to absorb additional demand.
Carmel Gates, NIPSA General Secretary said:
“People in Newry, Mourne and South Armagh have already seen services removed from Daisy Hill. They will understandably be asking what service is next.
“This is not simply about moving maternity services from one hospital to another. Families face longer journeys, while staff at Craigavon face additional workloads and pressure. Where are the extra staff and resources to safely absorb that demand?
“The health service is already struggling with serious workforce pressures, yet Trusts are being asked to find savings of more than 12% over the next three years.
“If this is where our health service is now, what will be left after another three years of cuts?”
NIPSA is currently consulting Health and Social Care members through its Enough Is Enough campaign on pay, safe staffing, cuts and protecting services, including whether members would support a future ballot for industrial action.
“There is nothing left to cut without consequences for patients, staff and communities. Enough is enough. We need investment in our workforce and services, not further cuts.”
Enough is Enough: Have Your Say
The threat to services at Daisy Hill and the additional pressure this could place on staff at Craigavon underline why it is vital that Health and Social Care members have their say in NIPSA’s Enough is Enough consultation.
NIPSA is consulting members on pay, safe staffing, cuts and protecting services, including whether members would support a future ballot for industrial action.
Your voice matters. Get involved, attend a consultation meeting and have your say.
NIPSA Health Members - Take part in the Enough is Enough consultation: https://nipsa.org.uk/nipsa-in-action/nipsa-latest/1380-enough-is-enough-stop-the-cuts-to-health-and-social-care
